Industry

Engagement with Industry and Commercial activities

Our interdisciplinary research programmes, world class facilities and unique range of expertise makes collaboration with industry attractive, rewarding and mutually beneficial. In partnership with Durham University Business and Innovation Services, a range of avenues for collaborating with industry (from SMEs to multinationals), business engagement and research commercialization activities are available within the Department including:

Collaborative research projects

We have a long history of collaborating with a wide range of companies world-wide which has led to a many high-impact publications and significant IPR. Current research funding for a activities at both Postgraduate and Postdcotoral level comes from companies including those below.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) and Secondments (KTS).

In partnership with Durham BIS, we engage with business through schemes such as the KTP, KTS and KTA funding streams. Several Knowledge Transfer Associates from the companies below have recently carried out R&D in the Department .

Consultancy

Consultancy activity by individual members of staff benefits both the individual and the University, the research expertise of individual members of staff can be found under the Chemistry Staff pages.

Analytical Services

Research Commercialisation - Spin-out Ventures and Impact

Commercialisation of the outputs of the Department's research activity takes many forms, including patent protection, license agreements and collaboration with appropriate industrial partners. Where appropriate, innovative new technologies are introduced to the marketplace through spin-out vehicles, which are nurtured and supported in their early stages by the University Business and Innovation Unit. Spin-out companies that originate in the Department of Chemistry, or have very close links with the Department are listed alongside.

METRC scheme

Durham University is allocating METRC Innovation Awards to support feasibility studies or proof-of-concept projects conducted by an academic in Durham University in collaboration with an industrial partner. The partnership can benefit from £5,000 to £10,000 depending on the project as long as the industrial partner matches the amount. The project must encourage long-term relationships between Durham University and the industrial partner, and new collaborations in the areas of sustainable chemistry and soft matter will be prioritized.

To discuss an application, please contact julia.noe-frank@durham.ac.uk. Funding is available immediately upon request before June 2014, but any interest must be discussed before April 2014.